Family Holiday Association

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For over 30 years, the Family Holiday Association has been working to give deprived children a much-needed family break. The charity helps families in desperate circumstances: those dealing with disability, bereavement, poverty, mental health problems, inadequate housing, or abuse. The chance to enjoy a break away from the stresses of daily life is something that many of us take for granted, but thousands of UK children have never had the chance to experience the joy of a holiday. Typically, a family granted a break spends a week staying in a caravan in a UK seaside town.

We asked some referring social workers about the impact of a holiday for a family in need. Here are some of their responses:

“Many of the clients I see have been on long term benefits due to ill health or disability and have never had a holiday or break from their daily lives. For this client group, it is not just a case of "getting away" but is something that could mean the difference between family breakdown or being able to carry on with very demanding daily lives.”

“I work with families who live in extreme poverty and oppression. This could be drug and alcohol related, domestic violence, learning difficulties or family dynamics. This has a huge impact on the children we work with and their development. Due to this culture these families will never have the opportunity to go on a holiday, spend time together as a family in a positive environment. All children deserve to reach their full potential. A holiday would improve their quality of family life, [and] develop their social skills.”

And a comment from a mother in a family coping with poverty and ill health:

“We have lots of wonderful memories to keep; laughter, excitement and walks on the beach watching the sunset. They will stay with us forever. We got back to being a happy family again in a wonderful environment. Thank you!”